Firefighters serve a core role in Illinois public safety and put their lives at risk every day in the line of duty. Starting Jan. 1, a law spearheaded by State Senator Cristina Castro enhances transparency for firefighters and their loved ones by requiring the state to begin tracking death records.

“We owe nothing less than our full gratitude and appreciation to those who put their lives on the line for our communities,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The dangers that they face go beyond fighting physical fires that are in front of them as we are continuing to learn firefighters suffer silently from illnesses related to their job.”

Over the past 20 years, nearly 2,000 firefighters have died in the line of duty, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. In addition to injuries and deaths that occur in the line of duty, firefighters are at a higher risk of cancer and other illnesses – highlighting the need for state-level data to guide interventions that protect their health and safety.

Castro’s law – Senate Bill 1446 – requires the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal to track and record the causes of death for all firefighters in Illinois, including those who died by suicide and from fire service-related cancers. This data will improve firefighter safety, foster transparency for loved ones, and ultimately help prevent further deaths and injuries of these vital first responders.

“Saving and protecting the lives of our firefighters is a top priority,” Castro added. “Having access to this data will allow us to create improved safety precautions to safeguard the health of our firefighters.”

Senate Bill 1446 goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026.